Roger Federer praised the game played in the Laver Cup, an exhibition event in which he was one of the pioneers, which this season was held at London’s O2 Arena in late September.
The former world number 1, who hasn’t played in more than a season, is playing doubles with friend and arch-foe Rafael Nadal in this season’s Laver Cup. But both tennis stars lost to Team World represented by Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
After the match, the former tennis player who has bagged 20 Grand Slam titles received applause so loud that he couldn’t hold back his tears.
The Spaniard, Nadal was also in tears and the image of the two stars holding each other’s hands became iconic. The 41-year-old former Basel player did everything he could to give himself one last chance, but earlier this summer he realized he couldn’t do it.
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The tennis maestro’s right knee did not respond as usual and he decided to end his legendary career. In a lengthy interview with the ATP website, he wanted to thank the countless fans.
“This is definitely a big moment for me to thank everyone who has always supported me. I feel that Federer’s fans are growing as I get older,” Roger Federer said.
“If I feel all these emotions on the pitch, it’s because of the fans. They know it, I know it, and it’s something I will miss. Traveling all over the world, having someone waiting for me, and feeling so happy when they saw me, that’s why I wrote a letter that I love tennis and I will see you again.”
“For me, it’s important to remind fans that I will not leave this sport and I will be around this sport. People will get a chance to see me again. We will have that moment again, maybe it will be different, but it will be a beautiful moment. It’s important to remind myself as well as the fans, for whom I am very grateful.”
“I feel good to be able to live with that emotion and at the same time, it made me really appreciate that moment and it will never forgot.”
